Shave & Coster – Reading

Dating back to the late 1800s, the original business was set up in the town of Newbury by Mr Maurice Shave. The shop has a rich history, having changed owners numerous times, but, continuing to trade under the original name of M.Shave (Tobacconist).

The current owners of the shop took over in 1991 when the shop was at risk of being closed down permanently. Purchased by Paul and Karen Gilmour, the shop was revamped and given a new lease of life which saw trade increase over the years to follow.

Following the success of the Newbury shop, Paul and Karen opened a second tobacconist shop in Reading which saw a steady growth. However, parking restraints in Newbury meant that their original investment was beginning to struggle for business, therefore, the shop was closed and the stock was moved to the Reading store to enhance its offering.

During their time working in the tobacconists, Paul and Karen had a close connection to call on for advice and support, a man named Alan Coster; whose grandfather had set up a tobacconist business in Marlow that Alan was running. At the age of 76, Alan had decided to retire from the family business and in homage to their great friend, Paul and Karen decided to incorporate the Coster name into their Reading business, the newly named Shave & Coster. The Reading business continues to be a family run shop, with Paul and Karen’s son James now managing the shop.

The Reading shop stocks a grand selection of tobacco, pipes, Cuban cigars and more! It has been fortunate enough to receive a hattrick of industry awards including the Worshipful Company of Tobacco Pipe Makers and Tobacco Blenders Retailer of the Year Award (2000), the Perterson Of Dublin Retailer of the Year Award (2005), and finally, the Silver Chaveta, Havana Cigar Retailer of the Year (2009).

Opening Hours
Monday – Saturday: 9.00am to 5.30pm
Sunday: Closed

Telephone: 0118 959 5670

E-mail: [email protected]

Address

4 & 5 Harris Arcade
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 1DN